Ethics committee investigating lawmakers’ trips to Caribbean conferences

WASHINGTON — The House ethics committee is investigating whether five Democratic lawmakers, including two committee chairmen, received improper gifts in travel to Caribbean conferences 2007 and 2008.

WHO says swine flu pandemic has begun _ first global flu epidemic in 41 years

GENEVA — Swine flu is now formally a pandemic, a declaration by U.N. health officials that will speed vaccine production and spur government spending to combat the first global flu epidemic in 41 years.

Key nations agree on tough new UN sanctions against NKorea

UNITED NATIONS — Western powers reached agreement with North Korea’s key allies Wednesday on a proposal that would impose tough new sanctions on the reclusive communist nation’s weapons exports and financial dealings, and allow inspections of suspect cargo in ports and on the high seas.